Steve Bannon Demands Trump Kill H-1B Visas Now

Key Takeaways

• Steve Bannon demands ending H-1B visas, calling for all current holders to be sent home.
• Debate splits MAGA movement: critics like Bannon versus tech leaders such as Elon Musk.
• Data shows 251,084 H-1B tech approvals in 2023, exceeding 112,740 US computer science graduates.

Steve Bannon, who once served as a top strategist for President Trump, has taken a strong stand against the H-1B visa program. In May 2025, Bannon called for the complete end of H-1B visas, urging that all existing visas be canceled and that every job given to a foreign worker be filled instead by an American citizen. His comments come at a time when layoffs in the tech industry are rising and concerns about artificial intelligence replacing jobs are growing. This push from Bannon has set off a fierce debate within the MAGA movement and the broader Trump administration, shining a light on deeper divisions over immigration policy and the future of work in the United States.

Bannon’s Outspoken Criticism of the H-1B Program

During his War Room podcast in May 2025, Steve Bannon did not hold back his feelings about the current state of the H-1B visa program. After news that US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) had approved 135,137 H-1B registrations for the 2025 fiscal year, Bannon called the move “outrageous.” He stated flatly, “The only correct number for H-1B is zero.” He went further, insisting, “Everyone that’s been issued has to be unissued. Everybody’s got to go home. And every one of those billets has to be replaced by an American citizen.”

Only a day before this, Bannon had expressed the same anger after hearing that 120,141 H-1B visa applications had been selected for 2026, pointing out that this was actually the lowest number since 2021. Despite the drop, Bannon saw even these lower figures as unacceptable. He tied his criticisms directly to ongoing layoffs in tech companies and the effect of artificial intelligence, which is leading to fewer entry-level jobs.

Main Points in Bannon’s Argument

Steve Bannon’s opposition rests on a few core beliefs about how the H-1B program works and its effects on American workers:

• Claims of Economic Exploitation: Bannon has said the H-1B system is “a scam of the highest order.” He describes it as a kind of “indentured servitude,” with foreign employees accepting lower pay and longer hours compared to American workers.

• Worries About American Workers: According to Bannon, qualified Americans are missing out on jobs because companies hire foreign workers on H-1B visas. He questions whether these foreign workers really have better skills or training than Americans. “The companies can’t prove these H-1B holders are more educated or have better experience,” he argues.

• Concerns About Artificial Intelligence and Layoffs: Bannon ties his criticism to the current moment, pointing to tech layoffs and the growing power of artificial intelligence. He argues that with so many American workers being laid off, it makes no sense to approve so many H-1B visas, which he says only adds more competition for the few jobs left, especially entry-level positions.

How the Debate Spreads Within the MAGA Movement

Bannon’s loud and clear stance on H-1B visas has created open disagreement within the larger MAGA movement and among people linked to President Trump. On one side, Bannon and his close supporters like Laura Loomer call for stopping or severely cutting the H-1B program. On the other side, well-known voices such as Elon Musk, David Sacks, and Vivek Ramaswamy defend the program, saying it helps the US stay competitive and that immigrants make valuable contributions, especially in technology.

This division became even sharper in early 2025. Bannon said he would pressure state attorneys general to try to block visa issuances if he believed the Trump administration was not restricting H-1B visas enough. He went as far as suggesting the use of the Laken Riley Act—legislation that allows for stricter visa rules—to possibly block visas from countries with the most H-1B recipients, with India 🇮🇳 being the leading country of origin for these workers.

The Bigger Picture: Data and the Economy

While the argument over H-1B visas grows more heated, it is important to consider the numbers behind the dispute. Bannon claims American workers are easily available for all tech jobs, but data shows a different story when it comes to the scale of the US tech workforce.

In the 2022-2023 academic year, US universities produced 112,740 computer science graduates. At the same time, in the 2023 fiscal year, there were 251,084 H-1B visas approved for computer-related fields. The gap between the number of available jobs and new American graduates suggests that even if every recent graduate found a job, there could still be a shortage of tech workers.

These numbers are part of why major tech companies, including some in Silicon Valley, have continued to lobby strongly for keeping or expanding the H-1B program. They argue that the United States needs more high-skilled workers, especially as the demand for tech talent is increasing in areas like cloud computing, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and software development.

The Trump Administration’s Dilemma

As more people speak out on both sides of the H-1B argument, President Trump and the rest of his administration face a tough choice. On one hand, they want to stay true to promises made to American workers and answer concerns from supporters like Steve Bannon. On the other hand, they must also consider the needs of the business world and the companies that drive innovation and job creation.

President Trump’s previous time in office saw several changes to the H-1B program, including stricter review of visa applications and new rules aimed at prioritizing higher-paid and more experienced applicants. Yet, even with these changes, the program remains large, with well over 100,000 new visas granted each year.

Keeping all sides happy will not be simple. The administration must weigh concerns about protecting American jobs with making sure the US economy stays competitive. The debate over H-1B visas has become a symbol of these bigger questions about what kind of immigration policy is best for the country’s future.

What Is an H-1B Visa?

For those less familiar with immigration terms, an H-1B visa is a nonimmigrant visa that allows US companies to employ foreign workers in jobs that usually require a college degree or specific technical training. The program is especially popular with tech firms looking to fill roles in fields like software engineering, hardware design, data analysis, and information technology.

H-1B visas are issued through a yearly lottery conducted by USCIS. If you want to read about the current H-1B process, the official USCIS H-1B page provides step-by-step information and the forms needed for applying.

Once approved, a worker on an H-1B visa can stay in the United States 🇺🇸 for up to three years, with a possible extension to six years. These workers can apply for permanent residency—or a “green card”—while in the country, which means some will eventually become permanent US residents.

Economic Arguments: Both Sides

Steve Bannon’s strong opposition to the H-1B visa program comes at a time of tension in the US workforce, but not everyone agrees with his reasoning. Let’s consider the most common points raised by both critics like Bannon and supporters inside the tech industry.

Bannon’s Points

• Lower Wages and Job Loss for Americans: Bannon says companies use H-1B workers to pay lower wages and avoid hiring Americans. He calls the program “exploitation” and claims it displaces US job seekers.
• No Proof of Superior Skills: According to Bannon, tech companies cannot demonstrate that foreign H-1B visa holders are better qualified than available American workers.
• Current Tech Layoffs: With many US employees being laid off, Bannon argues that adding more foreign workers through H-1B visas makes the job situation even harder for Americans.

Supporters’ Points

• Filling Skills Gaps: Tech companies and business leaders say there are simply not enough skilled American workers for every open position, especially in fast-growing tech areas.
• Boosting Innovation: Supporters argue that bringing in foreign experts strengthens companies, encourages new ideas, and keeps the US ahead in a global tech race.
• Economic Growth: Many point out that H-1B workers not only fill jobs but also pay taxes, spend money in local communities, and sometimes help create new American jobs.

Deep Political and Social Divisions

Bannon’s campaign has exposed a bigger divide among people who support President Trump and the MAGA movement. There are those who agree with Bannon and want to pull back on legal immigration, arguing it would protect American workers and keep wages stable. Others, including high-profile business leaders, insist the US must keep welcoming talent from around the world to stay competitive—with some even calling for reforms that make it easier, not harder, for foreign workers to come.

This disagreement is not just about numbers and statistics. It touches on deeper issues of national identity, economic security, and how the United States defines its place in the changing global economy.

Policy Implications and What May Happen Next

The strong opinions on both sides mean the Trump administration faces real pressure to come up with a new approach on H-1B visas. If the administration does block or cut down the program as Bannon wants, it may please those who believe in “America First” policies. However, this could also upset major companies and reduce the pool of skilled workers available to fuel new technology and invention.

On the other hand, keeping the program mostly unchanged could anger Bannon’s supporters and others who feel left out by rapid changes in the US job market.

As reported by VisaVerge.com, the next steps on H-1B visas will likely involve heated political fights, possible lawsuits, and maybe new laws shaping how the United States handles highly skilled immigration.

The Takeaway for Immigrants, Workers, and Companies

If you are a current H-1B visa holder, these debates can feel unsettling. However, until actual laws change, your rights and work status stay the same as before.

For US workers, there may be new discussions about how job openings are advertised, how companies prove they cannot find qualified Americans, and stricter rules on pay offered to foreign workers.

For employers, it could mean they have to review their hiring plans and be ready for sudden changes in visa rules, especially if the Trump administration decides to side with Bannon and make changes quickly.

Summary

Steve Bannon has loudly demanded that the H-1B visa program be stopped and all current holders be sent home, saying it hurts US workers and allows companies to pay lower wages. His campaign has split the MAGA movement, with strong business voices defending the value of H-1B workers to the US tech industry. While data shows there are not enough American computer science graduates to fill all tech jobs, Bannon and his supporters insist that something must change. The Trump administration is now under pressure to find a solution that works for all sides—a difficult task that will have far-reaching effects on the US workforce, businesses, immigrants, and the country’s standing in the world. For the latest updates and details on visa rules, you can check official resources, such as the USCIS H-1B page, for reliable guidance.

Learn Today

H-1B Visa → A US nonimmigrant visa allowing companies to employ skilled foreign workers in specialty occupations requiring advanced education or expertise.
USCIS → United States Citizenship and Immigration Services, the agency handling immigration processes, including H-1B visa applications and approvals.
Laken Riley Act → Proposed legislation permitting stricter visa policies, targeting countries with high numbers of H-1B recipients, such as India.
MAGA Movement → A political movement supporting Donald Trump’s agenda, standing for ‘Make America Great Again,’ often debating immigration issues.
Green Card → Officially known as permanent residency, it allows foreign nationals to live and work permanently in the United States.

This Article in a Nutshell

Steve Bannon’s strong opposition to the H-1B visa program has sparked heated debate within the MAGA movement and the Trump administration. By urging the cancellation of all H-1B visas, Bannon spotlights tensions over immigration, American jobs, and technology sector demands during a period of major tech layoffs and economic uncertainty.
— By VisaVerge.com

Read more:

• Trump Administration Pushes DHS to Grab H-1B Visa Biometrics
• H-1B visa holders get 60-day grace period after layoffs in United States
• Indian-Origin U.S. Congressmen back expansion of H-1B visa renewal
• Trump Sanctions Slash 120,000 H-1B Visas Overnight
• H-1B fraud crackdown linked to sharp drop in visa registrations